InciWeb Articles WA

US 2: All lanes of US 2 have closed as of 9 p.m. last night between mileposts 46 to 50 due to falling trees associated with the Bolt Creek Fire. Earlier yesterday, the road was closed from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. for fire mitigation activity. The roadway reopened shortly after 6 p.m. but was forced to close again at 9 p.m. Bolt Creek Fire crews and WSDOT crews began to reassess and continue tree removal at daylight today. At this time, there is no detour and there is no estimated time for reopening. Washington State Department of Transportation crews continue to partner with the incident command team managing the fire. Additional road closures may be necessary should the fire impact the road. Road closure information is posted in the WSDOT  real-time travel center and by @wsdot_traffic on Twitter and updates will be provided as road status changes. Fire Update: On the Bolt Creek Fire firefighters have strengthened and consolidated containment lines along most of Hwy 2 and the Beckler...

NOTE: The Packwood Fire Department will be hosting a Firewise USA Information Session on Friday, October 14, 2022 at 6 P.M. at the Packwood Fire Department station, 123953 US 12. The Goat Rocks Fire Incident Management Organization will provide a brief update on the fire at this event. Barring any substantial changes, the next update will be issued Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022. Fire Activity: Fire activity remains light. The fire is backing and flanking in most areas; some single-tree torching was observed yesterday. The western fingers of the fire continue to close in on one another, slowly consuming flammable vegetation.       Firefighting Efforts: Crews are successfully holding all control lines. Firefighters are patrolling the communities closest to the fire and testing the hoses and pumps. Resources continue training on the coordinated response plan. The Smith River Hotshots are leveraging an area where fuels and terrain allow for safe...

US 2: Today, from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. US 2 will be fully closed between mileposts 46 to 50 to allow fire crews responding to the Bolt Creek Fire to perform fire mitigation work near the roadway. The road will be fully closed through this area while crews are performing fire mitigation work near the roadway as scheduled until 5 p.m. Due to the nature of this work only incident responders and emergency personnel will be permitted through the closure. Travelers need to plan ahead as no detour is available during this time. The previous travel advisory issued on Oct. 12 reflected a 12 p.m. start time for this closure, however as conditions change, crews need to begin their work earlier. WSDOT remains committed to partnering with the incident management team on this fire and reminds travelers that additional road closures may be necessary should the fire pattern change. Road closure information is posted in the WSDOT real-time travel center and by @wsdot_traffic on Twitter and updates...

 Kalama Fire Update – October 13, 2022 Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, continues to show little growth and remains at approximately 478 acres in size and is currently nine percent contained.  Fire Managers continue their objective of keeping the fire north of Dry Creek, south and east of Forest Service Road 81.   Fire Behavior:  Fire fighters are continuing to reinforce indirect lines on the fire and monitor fire activity.  Fire behavior continues to be minimal with smoldering and creeping with some torching observed.  Current containment lines continue to hold and crews are focusing on any hotspots near the lines.  Crews are also assessing areas affected by fire activity and are beginning to repair those areas.   Weather: Today’s weather will continue to be mostly sunny with maximum temperatures 76-80 with light winds and humidity around 30%. Closures: Closures remain in place - View Closure Map:...

 Nakia Creek Fire Update – October 13, 2022 Overview: The Nakia Creek Fire, located 9 miles northeast of Camas WA in Clark County WA, and is burning in the Larch Block of the Yacolt Burn State Forest. The fire is at approximately 156 acres in size and is currently 10 percent contained. Reduction in acreage from Monday October 10 is due to better mapping. Additionally, the fire is still uncontained and acres may increase. Fire Behavior: The fire is burning in slash, steep previously harvest slopes as well as in young timber stands and small pockets of mature timber. Firefighters made good progress yesterday and existing containment lines held overnight. Firefighters will continue to prepare direct control lines along the flanks of the fire. Additionally, we are utilizing a combination of direct dozer and hand line along the fires edge. Fire behavior has been smoldering and creeping with some torching observed and short range spotting. The potential for fire growth remains and...

US 2 Is Open: For safety reasons, WSDOT has released a Travel Advisory.  Beginning at 7 a.m. today, intermittent traffic holds for up to 20 minutes in each direction will take place while crews assess trees between MP 46 and MP 49 near Skykomish. WSDOT does not anticipate road closures at this time. Hundreds of trees have been compromised by the Bolt Creek Fire and considered hazardous to the public.  Fire managers continue to prioritize firefighter and public safety. Please check the WSDOT TRAFFIC website and WSDOT Twitter for up-to-date information before committing to using the highway.Fire Update: Containment lines on the south, east and west perimeter of the fire along US 2 and near structures continue to hold well. Yesterday, firefighters successfully suppressed a flare-up of several acres on the southern tip of the fire north of Hwy 2. A Type 1 helicopter worked throughout the day dropping water helping to cool the affected area. Firefighters continue to monitor containment...

Highlights: Firefighters continue prioritizing structure protection. Crews have completed chipping in the northern portion of the fire. Hotshots have advanced the control lines into the Three Peaks Trail system as far as is feasible, given the terrain and other safety conditions. Today, crews will be bolstering existing control lines and working up against the fire’s edge where it is safe to do so. As weather allows, Helicopters will be performing bucket work over the Coal Creek drainage portion of the fire. Logging equipment operators will be removing trees near control lines as part of the wildfire suppression approach. Fire activity may increase slightly with today’s lower humidity, but overall, the fire continues to creep and smolder along the forest floor. Weather: The forecast calls for a high of 73 degrees today. Smoke will continue to linger, but may lighten after 4:00 pm. Daytime highs will remain in the 70s until next Monday. Easterly, light winds are expected today....

Currently the Siouxon Fire is 437 acres and is burning on steep, remote terrain within an unburned island within the Big Hollow Fire scar on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Siouxon Fire is surrounded to the west, north and east by burn scars from the Big Hollow Fire and poses little threat to escaping the fire area this late in the season. Leadership has decided that due to the time of year, location of the fire, topographic challenges, and lack of safety mitigations available, the Fire team will not be staffing the fire on the ground at this time. Fire staff are monitoring the fire daily and posting road guards and signs to keep the public safe. Fire behavior: Continued unseasonably warm and dry conditions are giving the Siouxon Fire the ability for some growth and moderate fire activity. An aircraft flew over the fire on Sunday October 9th and confirmed that, though there is fire growth, it remains to be a creeping and smoldering ground-fire that appears to be doing some...

 Nakia Creek Fire Update – October 12, 2022 Overview: The Nakia Creek Fire, located 9 miles northeast of Camas WA in Clark County WA, and is burning in the Larch Block of the Yacolt Burn State Forest. The fire is at approximately 156 acres in size and is currently 10 percent contained. Reduction in acreage is due to better mapping. Additionally, the fire is still uncontained and acres may increase. Fire Behavior: The fire is burning in slash, steep previously harvest slopes as well as in young timber stands and small pockets of mature timber. Existing containment lines held overnight and firefighters continue to prepare direct control lines along the flanks of the fire. Additionally, we are utilizing a combination of direct dozer and hand line along the fires edge. Fire behavior has been smoldering and creeping with some torching observed and short range spotting. The potential for fire growth remains and containment lines are being put in place. Weather: Weather today is...

 Closures: Trails: All Motorized Trails in the Yacolt Burn State Forest including the Jones Creek and Hagen Creek Trails Systems are closed. The Larch Mountain Trailhead is also closed. Roads: Current Road closures. All roads between the L-1600 at Jones Creek ORV Trailhead and the L-1500 at Four Corners, which is the intersection with the L-1000 and L-1400. Closures are in place for public and firefighter

Nakia Creek Fire Update – October 11, 2022 Overview: The Nakia Creek Fire, located 9 miles northeast of Camas WA in Clark County WA, is burning in the Larch Block of the Yacolt Burn State Forest. The fire is at approximately 250 acres in size and is currently 10 percent contained.Fire Behavior: The fire is burning in slash and along steep previously harvested slopes. Firefighters are preparing direct control lines along the flanks of the fire. Fire behavior has been smoldering and creeping with some torching observed and short range spotting. The potential for fire growth remains and containment lines are being put in place. Weather: Weather today is predicted to be dry and warm. High pressure will keep warm and dry weather through the week. Closures: Trails: All Motorized Trails in the Yacolt Burn State Forest including the Jones Creek and Hagen Creek Trails Systems are closed. The Larch Mountain Trailhead is also closed.Roads: Current Road closures. All roads between the L-1600 at...

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, remains at approximately 461 acres in size and is currently nine percent contained.Fire Behavior:  Fire fighters are continuing to prepare indirect lines in more favorable terrain.  Fire behavior has been minimal with smoldering and creeping with some torching observed. The potential for fire growth remains and containment lines are being put in place and reinforced with hose lays and sprinklers.Weather: Today will be mostly sunny with maximum temperatures 68-71 with light winds.Closures: Closures remain in place - View Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1065297.pdf  Trails: Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Tootle Trail #238B, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242A, Goat Marsh Trail 231DRoads: Current Road closures. NFS Road No. 8100, from the junction of DNR Road 7200 and DNR Road 7600 to the junction with...

After re-evaluating current evacuation levels and projected fire behavior for the #KalamaFire, in coordination with the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office, U.S Forest Service, and Washington State Department of Natural Resources, evacuation levels have been lowered. Current evacuation levels associated with Kalama Fire are now all at Level 1 ”Ready”.Level 1, Ready Evacuation:North to South: From the Headwaters of the South Fork of the Toutle River to south of Merrill Lake.East to West: Skamania County/Cowlitz County border west 5 miles into Cowlitz County.Be prepared. Make a personal "Ready, Set, GO!" wildfire action

 Kalama Fire Update – October 11, 2022 Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, remains at approximately 461 acres in size and is currently nine percent contained.   Fire Behavior:  Fire fighters are continuing to prepare indirect lines in more favorable terrain.  Fire behavior has been minimal with smoldering and creeping with some torching observed. The potential for fire growth remains and containment lines are being put in place and reinforced with hose lays and sprinklers. Weather: Today will be mostly sunny with maximum temperatures 68-71 with light winds. Closures: Closures remain in place - View Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1065297.pdf   Trails: Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242A, Goat Marsh Trail 231D Roads: Current Road closures. ·        NFS Road No. 8100, from the junction of DNR...

US 2 Is Open: Yesterday, WSDOT crews spent time removing two large trees that came down onto US 2. A closure was conducted on the highway periodically allowing traffic to move through the area. Check the WSDOT TRAFFIC website and twitter for up-to-date information before committing to using the highway. Additional closures along Highway 2 are expected for debris removal and cleanup. Fire Update: Containment lines on the south, east and west edges of the fire along US 2 and near structures continue to hold well. Yesterday firefighters were assisted by helicopter water drops to successfully suppress a flare-up of several acres on the southern tip of the fire north of Highway 2 near Maloney Mountain. Firefighters continue to monitor containment lines to ensure that the fire stays within the planned footprint on the southwest, south and southeast edges. A Structural Protection Group is focused on fire protection, particularly on the east side of Index, to ensure protection is in place...

Firefighting Efforts: Crews are implementing hazardous fuels reduction along Forest Road 1266, Forest Road 4612, Forest Road 041, and the Three Peaks trail system. Firefighters are patrolling near communities closest to the fire, testing and refining sprinklers and hose lays. The structure protection specialist finalized the coordinated response plan, and crews are rehearsing it. Aerial attack was able to continue yesterday, but to a lesser degree given the high winds. Helicopters will perform additional bucket work today given the weather cooperates.Fire Activity: Yesterday’s winds tested the control lines, all of which successfully held. Fire activity slightly increased especially near ridgetops. Overall, the fire continues to creep and smolder, and fire activity is minimal.Weather: The fire received light precipitation last night. Winds will be much lighter today, with an average speed of 6 mph and guests up to 10 mph. The forecast calls for similar temperatures as yesterday,...

Overview: The Kalama Fire, located southeast of Kalama Horse Camp on the south side of Mount St. Helens, remains at approximately 461 acres in size and is currently five percent contained. Fire Behavior:  Fire fighters are continuing to prepare indirect lines in more favorable terrain.  Fire behavior has been minimal with smoldering and creeping with some torching observed. The potential for fire growth remains and containment lines are being put in place. Weather: Today will be mostly with clouds increasing in the late afternoon and evening with a 25% chance of light rain.Closures: Closures remain in place - View Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1065297.pdf  Trails: Cinnamon Trail #204, Kalama Ski Trail #231, Toutle Trail #238, Fossil Trail #242, Kalama Falls Trail #242A, Goat Marsh Trail 231DRoads: Current Road closures.NFS Road No. 8100, from the junction of DNR Road 7200 and DNR Road 7600 to the junction with NFS Road No. 8123 and all...

Highlights: Fire growth continues to be primarily in areas where the fire is closing in on itself, slowly creeping and smoldering along the forest floor. While today’s temperatures will be much lower than yesterday, wind speed will be faster with gusts to 25 mph possible. Additional fire growth is anticipated today. Interagency Hotshot crews and aerial bucket work are successfully holding the fire at Coal Creek Ridge, and other lines are holding as well. Crews continue to scout for opportunities to safely extend control lines in the upper Coal Creek drainage, but the steep terrain is presenting many challenges. Weather: Today will be much cooler than recent days, with a high of 68 degrees. A cold front arrives today, dropping daytime highs to 67 degrees. Winds will be westerly, with average speeds around 12 mph. Gusts may be as high as 25 to 30 mph. This may or may not restrict aerial attack.   Evacuations: Areas northeast of Butter Creek and north of...